Architectural-panel attachment-system adjustable in three dimensions

ABSTRACT

An attachment system for attaching architectural facade panels to a wall, the attachment system having an elongated base rail, a Z-adjustment clip, an X-Y adjustment clip, and architectural panel. The base rail is configured to fasten to the wall. The Z-adjustment clip is configured to couple to the base rail. One or both of the fastening holes of the base rail or the fastening hole of the Z-adjustment clip are slots. The X-Y adjustment clip is configured to couple to the Z-adjustment clip. One or both of the fastening hole of the Z-adjustment clip or the fastening holes of the X-Y adjustment clip are slots. The architectural panel is configured to be secured to and supported by the X-Y adjustment clip. The slots allow for adjustment in each of the X, Y, and Z directions.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This disclosure claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/089,415, titled “ATTACHMENT SYSTEM ADJUSTABLE IN THREE DIMENSIONS,” filed on Oct. 8, 2020, and which is incorporated into the present disclosure by this reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The subject matter is related to a system and methods for mounting and adjusting architectural facade panels, particularly to a wall of a building.

BACKGROUND

Existing systems for mounting and adjusting architectural facade panels allow for only two-dimensional adjustments—horizontal and vertical adjustments but not depth (so called “front-to-back”) adjustments. Moreover, the currently acceptable tolerance for front-to-back misalignment in commercial construction is one quarter of an inch over twenty feet. Shimming has been the long-standing solution to achieve the tolerance for front-to-back misalignment.

Configurations of the disclosed technology address shortcomings in the prior art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top, perspective, exploded view of portions of an attachment system that is adjustable in three dimensions, illustrating an example “full clip” configuration.

FIG. 2 is a right side view of a portion of the attachment system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top, perspective, exploded view of portions of an attachment system that is adjustable in three dimensions, illustrating an example “starter” configuration.

FIG. 4 is a right side view of a portion of the attachment system of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a top, perspective, exploded view of portions of an attachment system that is adjustable in three dimensions, illustrating another example “full clip” configuration.

FIG. 6 is a right side view of a portion of the attachment system of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a top, perspective, exploded view of portions of an attachment system that is adjustable in three dimensions, illustrating another example “starter” configuration.

FIG. 8 is a right side view of a portion of the attachment system of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a top, perspective, exploded view of portions of an attachment system that is adjustable in three dimensions, illustrating an example “knife plate” configuration.

FIG. 10 is a top view of a portion of the attachment system of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a top, perspective, exploded view of portions of an attachment system that is adjustable in three dimensions, illustrating an example “outrigger” configuration.

FIG. 12 is a top view of a portion of the attachment system of FIG. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As described in this disclosure, configurations are directed to an attachment system for mounting architectural facade panels to a wall or framework, with the attachment system being adjustable in three dimensions. Accordingly, configurations may allow architectural facade panels to be properly installed on framework that is outside of the currently acceptable tolerance for front-to-back misalignment. For example, while the currently acceptable tolerance for front-to-back misalignment in commercial construction is one quarter of an inch over twenty feet, configurations of the disclosed technology may absorb two inches or more of poor framing over twenty feet. This results from the ability to adjust the architectural panel in three dimensions as it is the front-to-back adjustability that is especially useful to expand the tolerance of poor framing. The long-standing shimming solution is insufficient to absorb front-to-back misalignments of that magnitude. Moreover, the old method of shimming to achieve the tolerance for front-to-back misalignment does not account for the future trends of construction, including but not limited to prefabrication and modularity. In addition, the example configurations discussed in this disclosure encompass the vast majority of exterior envelope construction applications for architectural facade panels.

FIG. 1 is a top, perspective, exploded view of portions of an attachment system 100 that is adjustable in three dimensions, illustrating an example “full clip” configuration. FIG. 2 is a right side view of a portion of the attachment system 100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a top, perspective, exploded view of portions of an attachment system 100 that is adjustable in three dimensions, illustrating an example “starter” configuration. FIG. 4 is a right side view of a portion of the attachment system 100 of FIG. 3.

The example configurations of FIGS. 1-4 show the attachment system 100 installed on a substantially flat wall 101. As used in this disclosure, “substantially flat” means largely or essentially flat without requiring perfect flatness. The example configurations of FIGS. 5-8 (discussed below) show the attachment system 100 installed on a curved wall 101. In each case, the wall 101 could be a standard wall 101, building framing, sheathing, vapor barrier, or portions of a continuous insulation (CI) system.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, an attachment system 100 that is adjustable in three dimensions may include an elongated base rail 102, a Z-adjustment clip 103, and an X-Y-adjustment clip 104 for attaching an architectural panel 105 to a wall 101. In each case, the attachment system 100 may include more than one base rail 102, Z-adjustment clip 103, X-Y adjustment clip, or architectural panel 105.

The elongated base rail 102 is configured to fasten to the wall 101, such as into one or more wall studs 106 of the wall 101. As illustrated, the base rail 102 has a first part 107 that is configured to be substantially flush to the wall 101. As used in this disclosure, “substantially flush” means largely or essentially against, without requiring direct contact at all points. The base rail 102 has a second part 108, and an angle 109 between the first part 107 of the base rail 102 and the second part 108 of the base rail 102 is less than 180 degrees. In configurations, the first part 107 of the base rail 102 is substantially perpendicular to the second part 108 of the base rail 102. As used in this disclosure, “substantially perpendicular” means largely or essentially at right angles, without requiring perfect perpendicularity. The second part 108 of the base rail 102 has a plurality of fastening holes 110. As illustrated, the base rail 102 may be an elongated L-bracket.

The Z-adjustment clip 103 is configured to couple to the base rail 102. As illustrated, the Z-adjustment clip 103 has a first part 111 configured to overlap the second part 108 of the base rail 102. An angle 112 between the first part 111 of the Z-adjustment clip 103 and a second part 113 of the Z-adjustment clip 103 is less than 180 degrees. In configurations, the first part 111 of the Z-adjustment clip 103 is substantially perpendicular to the second part 113 of the Z-adjustment clip 103. The first part 111 of the Z-adjustment clip 103 and the second part 113 of the Z-adjustment clip 103 each have a fastening hole (or more than one fastening hole, in configurations). Fasteners 114 may pass through the fastening holes 110 to couple the Z-adjustment clip 103 to the X-Y-adjustment clip 104 and the base rail 102s. The plurality of fastening holes 110 of the second part 108 of the base rail 102 may be slots, or the fastening hole of the first part 111 of the Z-adjustment clip 103 may be slots, or both may be slots. Each slot generally has a length 115 (see FIG. 5) that is longer than the diameter of the fastener 114 passing through the slot. Accordingly, the Z-adjustment clip 103 may be adjusted relative to the base rail 102 even while the fastener 114 is through a fastening hole of the second part 108 of the base rail 102 and a fastening hole of the first part 111 of the Z-adjustment clip 103. As illustrated, the Z-adjustment clip 103 may be shaped like an L-bracket.

The X-Y-adjustment clip 104 is configured to couple to the Z-adjustment clip 103. As illustrated, the X-Y-adjustment clip 104 has a first part 117 configured to overlap the second part 113 of the Z-adjustment clip 103. The first part 117 of the X-Y-adjustment clip 104 has a plurality of fastening holes 110. The fastening hole of the second part 113 of the Z-adjustment clip 103 may be a slot, or the plurality of fastening holes 110 of the first part 117 of the X-Y-adjustment clip 104 may be slots, or both. In configurations where the fastening hole of the second part 113 of the Z-adjustment clip 103 is a slot and the plurality of fastening holes 110 of the first part 117 of the X-Y-adjustment clip 104 are slots, the fastening hole of the second part 113 of the Z-adjustment clip 103 and the plurality of fastening holes 110 of the first part 117 of the X-Y-adjustment clip 104 may be substantially perpendicular. Specifically, the slots have a length 115 and a width 116, where the length 115 is longer than the width 116. An example of this is illustrated in FIG. 5, where the length 115 and the width 116 of the example slot are identified in the drawing. In the context of the slots, then, the slots are substantially perpendicular when their respective lengths 115 are substantially perpendicular, even if the slots do not lie in the same plane. Slots that are mutually perpendicular allow for adjustment in each of the X, Y, and Z directions.

A second part 137 of the X-Y-adjustment clip 104 extends away from the first part 117 of the X-Y-adjustment clip 104 and includes a panel bracket portion 118. The panel bracket portion 118 is configured to secure and support the architectural panel 105. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, one or more edges or lips 119 of the architectural panel 105 may fit within one or more channels 120 of the panel bracket portion 118.

FIGS. 3-4 shows an example configuration for an end of an architectural panel 105. For example, the configuration illustrated in FIGS. 3-4 might be used for the uppermost edge of the uppermost architectural panel 105 and the lowest edge of the lowest architectural panel 105 in a vertical stack of architectural panel 105 s on the wall 101. The configuration FIGS. 3-4 might also be used for the upper and lower edges of a single architectural panel 105 in versions where architectural panel 105 s are not stacked vertically. Hence, the configuration shown in FIGS. 3-4 is an example of a so-called “starter” configuration.

In configurations, the X-Y-adjustment clip 104 includes a second panel bracket portion 121. In such configurations, the attachment system 100 may also include a second architectural panel 122 that is configured to be secured to and supported by the second panel bracket portion 121 of the X-Y-adjustment clip 104. As illustrated, FIG. 2 shows an example configuration where two architectural panel 105 s join at a common Z-adjustment clip 103. Hence, for example, the wall 101 may include multiple architectural panel 105 s stacked vertically, such as the example upper architectural panel 122 and lower architectural panel 105 illustrated in FIG. 2, which form an example of a two-architectural panel 105 stack. Hence, the configuration shown in FIGS. 1-2 is an example of a so-called “full clip” configuration.

The architectural panel 105 may be an architectural facade panel configured to be attached to the wall 101, such as the outside of an exterior wall 101 of a building. In configurations, the architectural panel 105 may provide, as examples, structural reinforcement, sound mitigation, a decorative facade, a rain screen, or a sunshade, or any combination of those functions.

The example configuration of FIGS. 1-4 may be used as follows, although the steps need not be performed in the order discussed here for all uses. First, the base rail 102s may be fastened to one or more wall studs 106 of the wall 101 to which the attachment system 100 will be mounted. In general, one base rail 102 is fastened to the wall studs 106 at the approximate location of the top edge of the architectural panel 105, and a second base rail 102 is fastened to the wall studs 106 at the approximate location of the bottom edge of the architectural panel 105. Next, each Z-adjustment clip 103 may be coupled to the base rail 102, and the user may then set the Z dimension to the desired distance. As used in this disclosure, the Z dimension refers to the distance away from the wall 101. In the configuration illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, the Z dimension may be set by adjusting the Z-adjustment clip 103 toward or away from the wall 101 as necessary to achieve the desired positioning. Once the desired Z dimension is set, the fasteners 114 coupling each Z-adjustment clip 103 to the base rail 102 may be tightened. In versions, the fasteners 114 coupling each Z-adjustment clip 103 to the base rail 102 may be loosened after tightening if further adjustments are necessary.

Next, the X-Y-adjustment clip 104 may be coupled to the Z-adjustment clip 103, and the user may then set the X dimension and the Y dimension to the desired distances. As used in this disclosure, the X dimension and the Y dimension refer to movement of the architectural panel 105 in a plane that is substantially parallel to the wall 101. As used in this disclosure, “substantially parallel” means largely or essentially equidistant at all points, without requiring perfect parallelism. Hence, the Y dimension refers to vertical movement up and down in the configuration illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, and the X dimension refers to horizontal movement left and right. In the configuration illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, the X dimension is set by adjusting the X-Y-adjustment clip 104 left or right (relative to the Z-adjustment clip 103) as necessary to achieve the desired positioning. Likewise, the Y dimension is set by adjusting the X-Y-adjustment clip 104 up or down (relative to the Z-adjustment clip 103) as necessary to achieve the desired positioning. Once the desired X dimension and Y dimension are set, the fasteners 114 coupling the X-Y-adjustment clip 104 to the Z-adjustment clip 103 may be tightened. In versions, the fasteners 114 coupling the X-Y-adjustment clip 104 to the Z-adjustment clip 103 may be loosened after tightening if further adjustments are necessary.

FIG. 5 is a top, perspective, exploded view of portions of an attachment system 200 that is adjustable in three dimensions, illustrating another example “full clip” configuration. FIG. 6 is a right side view of a portion of the attachment system 200 of FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a top, perspective, exploded view of portions of an attachment system 200 that is adjustable in three dimensions, illustrating another example “starter” configuration. FIG. 8 is a right side view of a portion of the attachment system 200 of FIG. 7. The configurations of FIGS. 5-8, the components within those configurations, and the methods of use are the same as what is described above for FIGS. 1-4, except for what is noted here.

Specifically, the attachment system 200 of FIGS. 5-8 is configured to be fastened to a curved wall 101. As best shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the wall 101 may have a radius from right to left as illustrated (i.e. in the X direction). Accordingly, the first part 107 of the base rail 102 may be arcuate along a length of the base rail 102 (i.e. in the X direction), allowing the first part 107 of the base rail 102 to be substantially flush to the curved wall 101.

Additionally, the configurations of FIGS. 5-8 illustrate a plurality of X-Y-adjustment clip 104 s. Stated another way, the X-Y-adjustment clip 104 of FIGS. 5-8 is segmented. By contrast, the X-Y-adjustment clip 104 of FIGS. 1-4 is elongated. In configurations, the X-Y-adjustment clip 104 of FIGS. 1-4 has a lateral width (i.e. in the X direction) that is substantially the same as a lateral width of the architectural panel 105. While beneficial for use on curved walls, the segmented X-Y-adjustment clip 104 of FIGS. 5-8 may also be used in flat-wall 101 configurations (like the flat-wall 101 configuration shown in FIGS. 1-4).

FIG. 9 is a top, perspective, exploded view of portions of an attachment system 300 that is adjustable in three dimensions, illustrating an example “knife plate” configuration installed on a wall mullion 323, such as a vertical mullion. FIG. 10 is a top view of a portion of the attachment system 300 of FIG. 9. As illustrated in FIGS. 9-10, an attachment system 300 may include a Z-adjustment base 324 and an X-Y-adjustment clip 325 for attaching an architectural panel 105 to a wall mullion 323. In configurations, the attachment system 300 may include more than one Z-adjustment base 324, more than one X-Y-adjustment clip 325, and more than one architectural panel 105. Fasteners 114 may pass through fastening holes 110 to couple the Z-adjustment base 324 to the X-Y-adjustment clip 325 and the wall mullion 323. The wall mullion 323 may include a knife plate 326 to facilitate coupling of the Z-adjustment base 324 to the wall mullion 323 and positioning of the Z-adjustment base 324 relative to the wall mullion 323 as more fully described below.

The Z-adjustment base 324 is configured to couple to the wall mullion 323. As illustrated, the Z-adjustment base 324 has a first part 327 that is configured to overlap the wall mullion 323. The Z-adjustment base 324 has a second part 328 that is substantially perpendicular to the first part 327 of the Z-adjustment base 324. The first part 327 of the Z-adjustment base 324 and the second part 328 of the Z-adjustment base 324 each have a fastening hole (or more than one fastening hole, in configurations). In configurations, the first part 327 of the Z-adjustment base 324 includes two substantially parallel portions 327A, 3278. Each of the two substantially parallel portions 327A, 3278 is configured to overlap the knife plate 326 of the wall mullion 323, and each of the two substantially parallel portions 327A, 3278 has fastening holes 110, which may be slots.

The X-Y-adjustment clip 325 of FIGS. 9-10 is configured to couple to the Z-adjustment base 324. As illustrated, the X-Y-adjustment clip 325 has a first part 329 that is configured to overlap the second part 328 of the Z-adjustment base 324. The first part 329 of the X-Y-adjustment clip 325 has a fastening hole (or more than one fastening hole, in configurations). A second part 330 of the X-Y-adjustment clip 325 extends away from the first part 329 of the X-Y-adjustment clip 325. The fastening hole of the second part 328 of the Z-adjustment base 324 may be a slot, the fastening hole of the first part 329 of the X-Y-adjustment clip 325 may be a slot, or both may be slots. In configurations where the fastening hole of the second part 328 of the Z-adjustment base 324 is a slot and the fastening hole of the first part 329 of the X-Y-adjustment clip 325 is a slot, the fastening hole of the second part 328 of the Z-adjustment base 324 and the fastening hole of the first part 329 of the X-Y-adjustment clip 325 may be substantially perpendicular. As noted above, slots that are mutually perpendicular allow for adjustment in each of the X, Y, and Z directions.

The architectural panel 105 is configured to be secured to the second part 328 of the Z-adjustment base 324. The architectural panel 105 may be an architectural facade panel configured to be attached to a wall mullion 323 or a wall mullion 323 system, such as on the outside of an exterior wall 101 of a building. As for the configurations of FIGS. 1-8, the architectural panel 105 of FIGS. 9-10 may likewise provide, as examples, structural reinforcement, sound mitigation, a decorative facade, a rain screen, or a sunshade, or any combination of those functions.

The example configuration of FIGS. 9-10 may be used as follows, although the steps need not be performed in the order discussed here for all uses. First, the Z-adjustment base 324 may be coupled to the wall mullion 323 such as, for example, through the knife plate 326. The user may then set the Z dimension to the desired distance by, for example, positioning the Z-adjustment base 324 relative to the knife plate 326. In the configuration illustrated in FIGS. 9-10, the Z dimension is set by adjusting the Z-adjustment base 324 toward or away from the wall mullion 323 as necessary to achieve the desired positioning. Once the desired Z dimension is set, fasteners 114 coupling the Z-adjustment base 324 to the knife plate 326 may be tightened. In versions, the fasteners 114 coupling the Z-adjustment base 324 to the knife plate 326 may be loosened after tightening if further adjustments are necessary.

Next, the X-Y-adjustment clip 325 may be coupled to the Z-adjustment base 324, and the user may then set the X dimension and the Y dimension to the desired distances. In the configuration illustrated in FIGS. 9-10, the X dimension is set by adjusting the X-Y-adjustment clip 325 left or right relative to the Z-adjustment base 324 as necessary to achieve the desired positioning. Likewise, the Y dimension is set by adjusting the X-Y-adjustment clip 325 up or down relative to the Z-adjustment base 324 as necessary to achieve the desired positioning. Once the desired X dimension and Y dimension are set, the fasteners 114 coupling the X-Y-adjustment clip 325 to the Z-adjustment base 324 may be tightened. In versions, the fasteners 114 coupling the X-Y-adjustment clip 325 to the Z-adjustment base 324 may be loosened after tightening if further adjustments are necessary.

For the attachment system 300 illustrated in FIGS. 9-10, the X, Y, and Z directions are analogous to those described above for the attachment system 100, 200 illustrated in FIGS. 1-8.

FIG. 11 is a top, perspective, exploded view of portions of an attachment system 400 that is adjustable in three dimensions, illustrating an example “outrigger” configuration. FIG. 12 is a top view of a portion of the attachment system 400 of FIG. 11. As illustrated, the attachment system 400 of FIGS. 11-12 may include an outrigger 431, a Z-adjustment base 432, and an architectural panel 105. In configurations, the attachment system 400 may include more than one outrigger 431, more than one Z-adjustment base 432, and more than one architectural panel 105.

As illustrated, the outrigger 431 has a first part 433 configured to fasten to a wall 101. The wall 101 could be a standard wall 101, building framing, sheathing, vapor barrier, or portions of a continuous insulation (CI) system. The outrigger 431 has a second part 434 that is substantially perpendicular to the first part 433 of the outrigger 431. The first part 433 of the outrigger 431 and the second part 434 of the outrigger 431 each have a fastening hole (or more than one fastening hole, in configurations). The fastening hole of the first part 433 of the outrigger 431 is a slot.

The Z-adjustment base 432 has a first part 435 that is configured to overlap the second part 434 of the outrigger 431. The Z-adjustment base 432 has a second part 436 that is substantially perpendicular to the first part 435 of the Z-adjustment base 432. The first part 435 of the Z-adjustment base 432 and the second part 436 of the Z-adjustment base 432 each have a fastening hole (or more than one fastening hole, in configurations). The fastening hole of the second part 436 of the Z-adjustment base 432 is a slot. One or both of the fastening hole of the first part 435 of the Z-adjustment base 432 and the fastening hole of the second part 434 of the outrigger 431 are slots. The fastening hole of the first part 433 of the outrigger 431 is substantially perpendicular to the fastening hole of the second part 434 of the outrigger 431 or to the fastening hole of the first part 435 of the Z-adjustment base 432. The fastening hole of the first part 433 of the outrigger 431 is substantially perpendicular to the fastening hole of the second part 436 of the Z-adjustment base 432. As noted above, slots that are mutually perpendicular allow for adjustment in each of the X, Y, and Z directions.

In configurations, the first part 435 of the Z-adjustment base 432 includes two substantially parallel portions 435A, 435B. Each of the two substantially parallel portions 435A, 435B is configured to overlap the second part 434 of the outrigger 431, and each of the two substantially parallel portions 435A, 435B has a fastening hole (or more than one fastening hole, in configurations).

The architectural panel 105 is configured to be secured to the second part 436 of the Z-adjustment base 432. The architectural panel 105 may be an architectural facade panel configured to be attached to a wall 101, such as on the outside of an exterior wall 101 of a building. As for the configurations of FIGS. 1-10, the architectural panel 105 of FIGS. 11-12 may likewise provide, as examples, structural reinforcement, sound mitigation, a decorative facade, a rain screen, or a sunshade, or any combination of those functions.

The example configuration of FIGS. 11-12 may be used as follows, although the steps need not be performed in the order discussed here for all uses. First, the outrigger 431 may be coupled to the wall 101, and the user may then set the X dimension to the desired distance by moving outrigger 431 left and right (from the perspective illustrated in FIG. 11) as necessary to achieve the desired positioning.

Next, the Z-adjustment base 432 may be coupled to the outrigger 431. The user may then set the Z dimension to the desired distance by, for example, positioning the Z-adjustment base 432 relative to the outrigger 431. In the configuration illustrated in FIGS. 11-12, the Z dimension is set by adjusting the Z-adjustment base 432 toward or away from the wall 101 as necessary to achieve the desired positioning. Once the desired Z dimension is set, fasteners 114 coupling the Z-adjustment base 432 to the outrigger 431 may be tightened. In versions, the fasteners 114 coupling the Z-adjustment base 432 to the outrigger 431 may be loosened after tightening if further adjustments are necessary.

Next, the architectural panel 105 may be coupled to the Z-adjustment base 432, and the user may then set the Y dimension to the desired distances. In the configuration illustrated in FIGS. 11-12, the Y dimension is set by adjusting the architectural panel 105 up or down relative to the Z-adjustment base 432 as necessary to achieve the desired positioning. Once the desired Y dimension is set, fasteners 114 coupling the architectural panel 105 to the Z-adjustment base 432 may be tightened. In versions, the fasteners 114 coupling the architectural panel 105 to the Z-adjustment base 432 may be loosened after tightening if further adjustments are necessary.

For the attachment system 400 illustrated in FIGS. 11-12, the X, Y, and Z directions are analogous to those described above for the attachment system 100, 200 illustrated in FIGS. 1-8.

For each of the configurations described for FIGS. 1-12, the attachment system made be made from steel, aluminum, or other suitable material. Additionally, the fasteners may be, as examples, bolts, screws, pins, or other suitable fasteners for securely fastening metal parts together.

As noted above, the steps for installing and adjusting the attachment system and the steps for installing and adjusting the attachment system may be performed in a different order than those presented above. Hence, the methods discussed are just examples of the several suitable methods for installing and adjusting the attachment system and the attachment system. The defined steps may be carried out in any order or simultaneously, unless the context excludes those possibilities.

Also, directions such as “vertical,” “horizontal,” “up,” “down,” “right,” and “left” are used for convenience and in reference to the views provided in the drawings. Still, the attachment systems, may have a number of orientations in actual use. Thus, a feature that is vertical, horizontal, upward, downward, to the right, or to the left in the figures may not have that same orientation or direction in actual use. Even so, the drawings illustrate typical orientation and positioning of the components.

EXAMPLES

Illustrative examples of the disclosed technologies are provided below. A particular configuration of the technologies may include one or more, and any combination of, the examples described below.

Example 1 includes an attachment system for attaching architectural facade panels to a wall, the attachment system comprising: an elongated base rail, the base rail configured to fasten to a wall, the base rail having a first part configured to be substantially flush to the wall, the base rail having a second part, an angle between the first part of the base rail and the second part of the base rail being less than 180 degrees, the second part of the base rail having a plurality of fastening holes; a Z-adjustment clip configured to couple to the base rail, the Z-adjustment clip having a first part configured to overlap the second part of the base rail, an angle between the first part of the Z-adjustment clip and the second part of the Z-adjustment clip being less than 180 degrees, each of the first part of the Z-adjustment clip and the second part of the Z-adjustment clip having a fastening hole, in which one or both of the plurality of fastening holes of the second part of the base rail and the fastening hole of the first part of the Z-adjustment clip are slots; an X-Y adjustment clip configured to couple to the Z-adjustment clip, the X-Y adjustment clip having a first part configured to overlap the second part of the Z-adjustment clip, the first part of the X-Y adjustment clip having a plurality of fastening holes, a second part of the X-Y adjustment clip extending away from the first part of the X-Y adjustment clip and including a first panel bracket portion, in which one or both of the fastening hole of the second part of the Z-adjustment clip and the plurality of fastening holes of the first part of the X-Y adjustment clip are slots; and a first architectural panel configured to be secured to and supported by the first panel bracket portion of the X-Y adjustment clip.

Example 2 includes the attachment system of Example 1, in which the first architectural panel is one or more of a structural reinforcement architectural panel, a sound mitigation architectural panel, a decorative facade, a rain screen, or a sunshade.

Example 3 includes the attachment system of any of Examples 1-2, the X-Y adjustment clip further comprising a second panel bracket portion, the attachment system further comprising a second architectural panel configured to be secured to and supported by the second panel bracket portion of the X-Y adjustment clip.

Example 4 includes the attachment system of any of Examples 1-3, in which the first part of the base rail is substantially perpendicular to the second part of the base rail, and in which the first part of the Z-adjustment clip is substantially perpendicular to the second part of the Z-adjustment clip.

Example 5 includes the attachment system of any of Examples 1-4, in which each of the fastening hole of the second part of the Z-adjustment clip and the plurality of fastening holes of the first part of the X-Y adjustment clip are slots, with the fastening hole of the second part of the Z-adjustment clip and the plurality of fastening holes of the first part of the X-Y adjustment clip being substantially perpendicular.

Example 6 includes the attachment system of any of Examples 1-5, in which the base rail is configured to fasten to a substantially flat wall.

Example 7 includes the attachment system of any of Examples 1-6, in which the base rail is configured to fasten to a curved wall, the first part of the base rail being arcuate along a length of the base rail.

Example 8 includes an attachment system for attaching architectural facade panels to a wall, the attachment system comprising: a Z-adjustment base configured to fasten to a wall mullion, the Z-adjustment base having a first part configured to overlap the wall mullion, the Z-adjustment base having a second part substantially perpendicular to the first part of the Z-adjustment base, each of the first part of the Z-adjustment base and the second part of the Z-adjustment base having a fastening hole; an X-Y-adjustment clip configured to couple to the Z-adjustment base, the X-Y adjustment clip having a first part configured to overlap the second part of the Z-adjustment base, the first part of the X-Y adjustment clip having a fastening hole, a second part of the X-Y adjustment clip extending away from the first part of the X-Y adjustment clip, in which one or both of the fastening hole of the second part of the Z-adjustment base and the fastening hole of the first part of the X-Y adjustment clip are slots; a first architectural panel configured to be secured to the second part of the Z-adjustment base.

Example 9 includes the attachment system of Example 8, in which the first architectural panel is one or more of a structural reinforcement architectural panel, a sound mitigation architectural panel, a decorative facade, a rain screen, or a sunshade.

Example 10 includes the attachment system of any of Examples 8-9, in which the first part of the Z-adjustment base comprises two substantially parallel portions, each of the two substantially parallel portions configured to overlap a knife plate of the wall mullion, and each of the two substantially parallel portions having fastening slots.

Example 11 includes the attachment system of any of Examples 8-10, in which each of the fastening hole of the second part of the Z-adjustment base and the fastening hole of the first part of the X-Y adjustment clip are slots, with the fastening hole of the second part of the Z-adjustment base and the fastening hole of the first part of the X-Y adjustment clip being substantially perpendicular.

Example 12 includes an attachment system for attaching architectural facade panels to a wall, the attachment system comprising: an outrigger having a first part configured to fasten to a wall, the outrigger having a second part substantially perpendicular to the first part of the outrigger, each of the first part of the outrigger and the second part of the outrigger having a fastening hole, in which the fastening hole of the first part of the outrigger is a slot; a Z-adjustment base having a first part configured to overlap the second part of the outrigger, the Z-adjustment base having a second part substantially perpendicular to the first part of the Z-adjustment base, each of the first part of the Z-adjustment base and the second part of the Z-adjustment base having a fastening hole, in which the fastening hole of the second part of the Z-adjustment base is a slot, in which one or both of the fastening hole of the first part of the Z-adjustment base and the fastening hole of the second part of the outrigger are slots, the fastening hole of the first part of the outrigger being substantially perpendicular to the fastening hole of the second part of the outrigger or to the fastening hole of the first part of the Z-adjustment base, the fastening hole of the first part of the outrigger being substantially perpendicular to the fastening hole of the second part of the Z-adjustment base; and a first architectural panel configured to be secured to the second part of the Z-adjustment base.

Example 13 includes the attachment system of Example 12, in which the first architectural panel is one or more of a structural reinforcement architectural panel, a sound mitigation architectural panel, a decorative facade, a rain screen, or a sunshade.

Example 14 includes the attachment system of any of Examples 12-13, in which the first part of the Z-adjustment base comprises two substantially parallel portions, each of the two substantially parallel portions configured to overlap the second part of the outrigger, and each of the two substantially parallel portions having fastening holes.

The previously described versions of the disclosed subject matter have many advantages that were either described or would be apparent to a person of ordinary skill. Even so, all of these advantages or features are not required in all versions of the disclosed apparatus, systems, or methods.

Additionally, this written description makes reference to particular features. It is to be understood that the disclosure in this specification includes all possible combinations of those particular features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular example configuration, that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in the context of other example configurations.

Furthermore, the term “comprises” and its grammatical equivalents are used in this application to mean that other components, features, steps, processes, operations, etc. are optionally present. For example, an article “comprising” or “which comprises” components A, B, and C can contain only components A, B, and C, or it can contain components A, B, and C along with one or more other components.

Although specific example configurations have been described for purposes of illustration, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. 

I (or we) claim:
 1. An attachment system for attaching architectural facade panels to a wall, the attachment system comprising: an elongated base rail, the base rail configured to fasten to a wall, the base rail having a first part configured to be substantially flush to the wall, the base rail having a second part, an angle between the first part of the base rail and the second part of the base rail being less than 180 degrees, the second part of the base rail having a plurality of fastening holes; a Z-adjustment clip configured to couple to the base rail, the Z-adjustment clip having a first part configured to overlap the second part of the base rail, an angle between the first part of the Z-adjustment clip and the second part of the Z-adjustment clip being less than 180 degrees, each of the first part of the Z-adjustment clip and the second part of the Z-adjustment clip having a fastening hole, in which one or both of the plurality of fastening holes of the second part of the base rail and the fastening hole of the first part of the Z-adjustment clip are slots; an X-Y adjustment clip configured to couple to the Z-adjustment clip, the X-Y adjustment clip having a first part configured to overlap the second part of the Z-adjustment clip, the first part of the X-Y adjustment clip having a plurality of fastening holes, a second part of the X-Y adjustment clip extending away from the first part of the X-Y adjustment clip and including a first panel bracket portion, in which one or both of the fastening hole of the second part of the Z-adjustment clip and the plurality of fastening holes of the first part of the X-Y adjustment clip are slots; and a first architectural panel configured to be secured to and supported by the first panel bracket portion of the X-Y adjustment clip.
 2. The attachment system of claim 1, in which the first architectural panel is one or more of a structural reinforcement architectural panel, a sound mitigation architectural panel, a decorative facade, a rain screen, or a sunshade.
 3. The attachment system of claim 1, the X-Y adjustment clip further comprising a second panel bracket portion, the attachment system further comprising a second architectural panel configured to be secured to and supported by the second panel bracket portion of the X-Y adjustment clip.
 4. The attachment system of claim 1, in which the first part of the base rail is substantially perpendicular to the second part of the base rail, and in which the first part of the Z-adjustment clip is substantially perpendicular to the second part of the Z-adjustment clip.
 5. The attachment system of claim 1, in which each of the fastening hole of the second part of the Z-adjustment clip and the plurality of fastening holes of the first part of the X-Y adjustment clip are slots, with the fastening hole of the second part of the Z-adjustment clip and the plurality of fastening holes of the first part of the X-Y adjustment clip being substantially perpendicular.
 6. The attachment system of claim 1, in which the base rail is configured to fasten to a substantially flat wall.
 7. The attachment system of claim 1, in which the base rail is configured to fasten to a curved wall, the first part of the base rail being arcuate along a length of the base rail.
 8. An attachment system for attaching architectural facade panels to a wall, the attachment system comprising: a Z-adjustment base configured to fasten to a wall mullion, the Z-adjustment base having a first part configured to overlap the wall mullion, the Z-adjustment base having a second part substantially perpendicular to the first part of the Z-adjustment base, each of the first part of the Z-adjustment base and the second part of the Z-adjustment base having a fastening hole; an X-Y-adjustment clip configured to couple to the Z-adjustment base, the X-Y adjustment clip having a first part configured to overlap the second part of the Z-adjustment base, the first part of the X-Y adjustment clip having a fastening hole, a second part of the X-Y adjustment clip extending away from the first part of the X-Y adjustment clip, in which one or both of the fastening hole of the second part of the Z-adjustment base and the fastening hole of the first part of the X-Y adjustment clip are slots; a first architectural panel configured to be secured to the second part of the Z-adjustment base.
 9. The attachment system of claim 8, in which the first architectural panel is one or more of a structural reinforcement architectural panel, a sound mitigation architectural panel, a decorative facade, a rain screen, or a sunshade.
 10. The attachment system of claim 8, in which the first part of the Z-adjustment base comprises two substantially parallel portions, each of the two substantially parallel portions configured to overlap a knife plate of the wall mullion, and each of the two substantially parallel portions having fastening slots.
 11. The attachment system of claim 8, in which each of the fastening hole of the second part of the Z-adjustment base and the fastening hole of the first part of the X-Y adjustment clip are slots, with the fastening hole of the second part of the Z-adjustment base and the fastening hole of the first part of the X-Y adjustment clip being substantially perpendicular.
 12. An attachment system for attaching architectural facade panels to a wall, the attachment system comprising: an outrigger having a first part configured to fasten to a wall, the outrigger having a second part substantially perpendicular to the first part of the outrigger, each of the first part of the outrigger and the second part of the outrigger having a fastening hole, in which the fastening hole of the first part of the outrigger is a slot; a Z-adjustment base having a first part configured to overlap the second part of the outrigger, the Z-adjustment base having a second part substantially perpendicular to the first part of the Z-adjustment base, each of the first part of the Z-adjustment base and the second part of the Z-adjustment base having a fastening hole, in which the fastening hole of the second part of the Z-adjustment base is a slot, in which one or both of the fastening hole of the first part of the Z-adjustment base and the fastening hole of the second part of the outrigger are slots, the fastening hole of the first part of the outrigger being substantially perpendicular to the fastening hole of the second part of the outrigger or to the fastening hole of the first part of the Z-adjustment base, the fastening hole of the first part of the outrigger being substantially perpendicular to the fastening hole of the second part of the Z-adjustment base; and a first architectural panel configured to be secured to the second part of the Z-adjustment base.
 13. The attachment system of claim 12, in which the first architectural panel is one or more of a structural reinforcement architectural panel, a sound mitigation architectural panel, a decorative facade, a rain screen, or a sunshade.
 14. The attachment system of claim 12, in which the first part of the Z-adjustment base comprises two substantially parallel portions, each of the two substantially parallel portions configured to overlap the second part of the outrigger, and each of the two substantially parallel portions having fastening holes. 